A life change accounted for
For anyone who has ever wondered if recruitment ads work, speak to SBLT David Oswald.
The Officer of the Watch under training was 10 years into his career as an accountant when he realised he couldn’t face another 30 behind a desk crunching numbers – that’s when he saw a Defence Force Recruitment ad on Instagram.
Six months later, SBLT Oswald found himself at HMAS Creswell, a trainee in the New Entry Officer’s Course, about to embark on the most challenging but rewarding chapter of his life.
“That first night at Creswell when the divisional officers were banging on our windows telling us to go to sleep, I thought ‘what have I done’, but I got up the following morning, got into uniform and it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” SBLT Oswald said.
“I’ve changed a lot as a person since joining, I didn’t have the thickest skin but now I’m used to having pressure stacked on and it continuing to elevate, and rising to meet that challenge.”
While it was job satisfaction that initially drove SBLT Oswald to join Navy, he said it’s the people and the camaraderie that has been the most rewarding part so far.
“It honestly feels like I haven’t worked a day since joining,” SBLT Oswald said.
“I work with some amazing people, really driven and motivated people, and we are all working as a cohesive unit, working towards a bigger purpose – and I’ve made some lifelong friends along the way.”
'If you’re in a stagnant job, want to see the world and contribute to something bigger and really test your limits, I'd highly recommend jumping in with both feet and giving it a go.'
SBLT Oswald’s father was a marine technician on HMAS Hobart II during the 1980s, and when he told his dad he was following in the family tradition, he received good advice from him.
“My dad was very supportive because he knows what kind of career the Navy can offer,” SBLT Oswald said.
“He said to get involved in everything, go after all the opportunities and collect as much merchandise as possible because you can build on the memories and look back on it in the future.”
It’s not been all smooth sailing for the officer under training, but SBLT Oswald said the sacrifices he’s made have been worth it and he would encourage anyone to consider making the jump.
“The biggest challenge has been being away from family – my fiancée and I have been long-distance since February 2025, but it makes those times together even more special,” SBLT Oswald said.
“If you’re in a stagnant job, want to see the world and contribute to something bigger and really test your limits, I'd highly recommend jumping in with both feet and giving it a go, because there are so many awesome careers.”
Posted to HMAS Leeuwin, SBLT Oswald is currently supporting the hydrographic survey ship in a regional survey deployment to Papua New Guinea.
